WEST LIBERTY, West Virginia - Despite the 2024-2025 campaign quickly coming to a close, the Salem women's basketball team still had some work to do this evening in their matchup with the West Liberty Hilltoppers. Salem got some strong performances individually, but the Hilltoppers were simply too hot to handle on their home court; defeating Salem 87-63. 

In the first quarter, the Tigers focused on the strongest part of their offensive game plan all season, namely interior play. Carmen Vasquez and Liliani Krause controlled the paint for Salem offensively, but the Hilltoppers kept the Tigers at bay on their way to a 23-13 advantage going into the second.

In the next frame, Salem began to eat away at the Hilltopper lead. Cassandra Smith led the charge for Salem, but a late Hilltopper push in response left the score at 40-28 going into the halftime break.

After the intermission, Salem again went after the West Liberty lead. Kamryn Ruffin and Kasaya Krause hit some key shots for the Tigers, but West Liberty would hold their 64-45 advantage going into the 4th quarter. 

In that 4th quarter, Salem needed a big performance in order to claw their way back into the contest. Salem did get some solid minutes from Ida Bentgsson down the stretch, but it was simply not enough to catch the Hilltoppers on their home floor. Therefore, the Tigers fell 87-63. 

Statistically, Salem was led by a double double performance from Liliani Krause with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Cassandra Smith finished just behind her with 16 points. Carmen Vasquez chipped in 12 points, and Kamryn Ruffin added 11 points off the bench. 

Salem will have one final chance to end the 2024-2025 season on a high note as they are set to take on the Point Park Pioneers in the final regular season contest of the season on March 1st at 2 PM in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.